Board Of Directors

Harold Doherty

Harold, a labour lawyer, became an autism treatment advocate shortly after his second son, Conor, was diagnosed with severe autism. He has published an internationally-read, award-winning blog, “Facing autism in NB”, for over a decade. Together with others, Harold successfully pushed for a provincial early intervention programme, which includes the provision of autism specific, ABA therapy training for education aides and resource teachers. He has worked extensively on the promotion of national Medicare coverage for science-based treatment of autism, including helping MFAN in its last federal election initiative. Harold’s close work with members of Parliament resulted in the passage of a private member’s bill calling for a National Autism Strategy. In recognition of his outstanding work on behalf of persons with autism, Harold Doherty was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Scott HeanScott is the CFO for a Vancouver-based resources company, having previously held executive positions with the Bank of Montreal in BC and JP Morgan in New York. He chairs Bill Reid Foundation Services Ltd. and has served on numerous not-for-profit boards, including Outward Bound and BC Childrens’ Hospital. Scott has been a director of the Medicare for Autism Now! Society since its creation.

Barry HudsonBarry is an IT manager for a financial company involved with motor vehicle manufacturing. He’s been involved in autism advocacy at both the provincial and federal levels since his son was diagnosed with autism in 2007. Of note, in June 2010, he testified before the Ontario Select Committee on Mental Health. His testimony caused the government to make a public admission in the committee’s report that, “individuals with autism…are orphaned by a system that seemingly has no place for them.” Barry has been a director of the Medicare for Autism Now Society! since late in 2008.

Maria KehagiasFor several years, Maria has worked with a number of adolescents and adults across the autism spectrum in the capacity of Special Education Assistant, ABA therapist, Senior Therapist, and Program Director. She has front line experience with individuals who are very mildly affected to those who are more severe with dual diagnoses requiring more complex treatment programs. She has witnessed first hand the life changing efficacy of ABA for all individuals with autism and their families. Maria’s direct experience in the field of ABA coupled with her interests in public relations and marketing position her very well to oversee and direct our organization’s fundraising, event coordination, and social media campaigns.

Jean LewisJean has been actively involved in the autism treatment movement since 1996, when her youngest son was diagnosed with autism. She became the co-founder and leading spokesperson for FEAT of BC (Families for Early Autism Treatment of BC), an organization dedicated to obtaining science-based autism treatment (ABA) within BC’s healthcare system. Jean was the co-chair of the litigation steering committee for Auton, a Canadian landmark Charter disability case. She performed the same role in Hewko, litigation aimed at ensuring children with autism gain equal access to BC’s education system.

In 2008, Jean co-founded the Medicare for Autism Now! Society, a non-partisan, national advocacy group focused on making science-based autism treatment (ABA) universally accessible and covered under Medicare. Since 1996, Jean has advised hundreds of parents about advocacy, treatment and education issues related to autism. Jean is also the co-producer of the award-winning documentary, Medicare’s Orphans. In recognition of her outstanding work on behalf of persons with autism, Jean was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.She has presented at numerous rallies, workshops and conferences in BC, Ontario and the Maritimes. Jean is also a member of Civil Rights Now! board of directors.

David MarleyDavid has spent his professional career as a trial lawyer, public policy analyst or senior political advisor at both the federal and provincial government levels. Since 1972, he has performed leading roles in over a dozen election campaigns in BC or Ontario. David’s political activity has involved organizing and presenting at many campaign schools and constituency association training sessions.

Throughout his career, he has served as a director of various not-for-profit organizations including, Medicare for Autism Now! and Civil Rights Now!, providing them with strategic counsel. In 2005 and 2008, David designed and helped implement a national political strategy for FEAT of BC and is a co-founder of the Medicare for Autism Now! Society. David is also the co-producer of the award-winning documentary, Medicare’s Orphans. In recognition of his outstanding work on behalf of persons with autism, David was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Gordon ShreeveGordon is a qualified pastor and teacher who has served local churches for over two decades in BC and Ontario. He specializes in leadership development, conflict resolution and community involvement. He is also an experienced political organizer, having coordinated election campaigns at all levels of government. He served as National Manager of Constituency Development for a federal party and was the executive director of a BC political party, having also managed a province-wide campaign. He has been a member of the Medicare for Autism Now! Society board since its creation.